L. Sherwin Terrill
May 26, 1941- August 23,2023
Sherwin was born to Reginald and Fannie Naomi Terrill on May 26, 1941, in Concord, New Hampshire. He spent his boyhood on the family farm in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, along with his older brothers, Donnie and Dudley. Sherwin was a member of Future Farmers of America and 4H. He reminisced about haying in the summer, taking trips to the ocean, collecting sap and making maple syrup, ice skating, skiing, working with his father in his painting business, exploring the state with his friends, Leeland and Craig, and times at the family cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Sherwin graduated from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He met his wife-to-be, Betty Coyle, at Evangel. Sherwin and Betty were married on August 17, 1962, while he was in his last year of college. When he completed college, he accepted a job at the Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he worked as a computer programmer. While in New Hampshire, his son, Brian was born. He transferred from New Hampshire to Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii in 1965 where he continued to work until 1967. While in Hawaii, his daughter, Sallie was born.
After leaving Navy Civil service in 1967, he was employed at National Cash Register in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for 28 years. At NCR his career spanned working with computer and engineering groups in the process of developing the ATM bar code scanner, designing and producing NCRs first silicon chip for use in computers, and various other projects. Upon his retirement, he was employed at Lexis-Nexis in Dayton where he worked for 10 years. While at Lexis-Nexis, he worked with HGML programming to produce on-line legal documentation and was responsible for U.S. Code, New York, and California Code.
Although he worked as a computer scientist, his truly enjoyable work was projects: remodeling, building, improving. His workshop was a grand place for grandkids to play and help out. Sherwin completely remodeled a late 1800s farmhouse. He designed and built a cottage from ground up on Indian Lake at Russells Point, Ohio, made toys for the grandkids, and even constructed a zip line on his property in Beavercreek, Ohio
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 56, he worked for another 8 years and continued to be active no matter what his limitations were. When they moved to Omaha, he set up and hosted Parkinsons Support Groups to assist other patients and their families affected by Parkinsons Disease.
He loved his wife, Betty Lou, of 61 years dearly and they enjoyed many trips (traveling to all 50 states) and working on projects together. Sherwin took great joy in his family and ensured Sallie and Brian had many family experiences such as board games, playing cards, Carroms, climbing Mount Major in New Hampshire and picking blueberries, panning for gold in the Rocky Mountains, camping, sailing, vacationing throughout the states, Canada, and Mexico, tubing and jet skiing on Indian Lake. In later years he enjoyed spending time at Fort Myers Beach collecting seashells and playing Bocce Ball.
Sherwin took great joy in serving the Lord and raising his children to walk with the Lord. He continued to praise God as grandchildren and great grandchildren were added to the family and his greatest joy was seeing them put God first in their lives.
He had a servant’s heart as evidenced in the way he served wherever he was. He was on the Governing Board at the Aiea Assembly of God in Hawaii; was Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir, performed solos, and went on missions trips with the youth at Bethel Temple; and at Kirkmont Presbyterian he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and in a men’s quartet, worked in a gardening group, went on mission trips, and was a deacon and an ordained Elder.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Naomi; and two brothers, Alan and Donnie.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Lou; son, Brian (Kimberly) Terrill; daughter, Sallie (Daniel) Frei; Grandchildren: Katherine (Jared) Strock, Laura (Nathan) Seadore, Natalie (Michael) Brown, Curtis and Shane Frei; Gavin, Connor, and Kiel (Amelia) Terrill; great-grandchildren: Halle, Jocelyn, Porter, Neeley, Macie, Osborne, Jessie Kate, Bodee, Riggs, Dixie, and Raina; brother, Dudley (Roberta) Terrill; sister-in-law, Anne Terrill.
A special gratitude to CHI Hospice for their loving care the past months and to Karen Rashid for her years of devoted care, assistance and friendship.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Ranch Ministries located near Pierre, SD. The Ranch Ministries is a faith-based organization serving military men and women, including those suffering from PTSD.
The Ranch Ministries
1905 South 113th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68144
FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, 15005 Q St. Interment: Cedardale Cemetery.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please click the link below provided by the church.
A Service of Remembrance Celebrating God’s Gift of Laurence Sherwin Terrill
-> https://www.youtube.com/live/QJooEe4jOn8?si=feY3oiVt63uRXIY3
15 Comments
Love and Remembrance always, Dud and Bobbie
I’m so sorry. He was an amazing man. I was blessed to have him for my uncle. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart breaks for the loss to your family and especially to you, Betty. I know Sherwin was your soul mate. My you find strength in Jesus, and the comfort He sends in His word and through family and friends.
I’ll always remember how precise he was, especially when hanging windows in the Indian Lake cabin. What a wonderful legacy he created. You are in my prayers.
Enjoyed looking at pics of you and Sherwin and Lois and Dave. at fort Myers beach tonight. And my Larry who has also gone to be with the Lord. Happy memories with you!! Love you and praying for a great peace for you and your family❤️🙏
Dearest Betty and family, as I read Sherwin s obituary tonight I send sympathies, hugs and prayers. Always remember that the same loving arms that welcomed Sherwin into heaven, are holding you now.
Thought and prayers are with you and the family
Deepest sympathies to you, my precious friend. Praying God’s love enfolds you as never before!
We read the obituary. Amazed at all he accomplished. As Sherwin & Betty’s pastor in Bethel Temple (1967 -1974), we recall their friendship and support! They arranged for Ruth to fly to Hawaii to meet Charles on his return from ministry to servicemen in the years of the Viet Nam war. The church in Aiea, Hawaii, met us with large flower Lei’s. They were such a blessing to us. Pastor Charles & Ruth Anderson.
I look back with fond memories as a child spending time with my Uncle Sherwin & Aunt Betty Lou and cousins Brian & Sallie Joe. My thoughts are with you all.
My sincere love and prayers to you and your family— I grew up w Sallie And Brian @ Bethel and you all were so kind to me… opened your home to me and shared the Love of Jesus to me on so many occasions- your family genuineness and love never left me — I look fondly on the Sunday after church to be w you all- and also the times of youth gatherings— the greatest blessing is knowing the promise of Heaven and reuniting w our Loved ones there- prayers love Brad and Tina
My heart is sad with you . I have many wonderful memories of Sherwin. He was a great man and loved by many.
I am so thankful I got to know Sherwin and his family, Sherwin and I enjoyed playing games, going to lunch once in awhile, going out for the corn dog truck.. We were very competitive playing rummikub. What a wonderful family , every one of them. You could see Sherwin passed on generation to generation .
I have fond memories of working with Sherwin during our last days at NCR /AT&T, My thoughts and prayers are with you Betty.
Sherwin’s passing brings mixed emotion: sad he is so longer here, but thankful and rejoicing he has finished the race and is with Jesus and is in perfect health. Sherwin was a calm, knowledgeable, industrious worker who was so kind to those around him. He encouraged others with his quiet witness of Jesus’ love and faithfulness. Betty and family, may your memories of Sherwin remain precious as you learn to live your remaining time on earth fulfilling the Lord’s plan for you. Betty, James and I are from Missouri, are you?
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